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A Monster Escapes
What if the people we love hide monsters they can't contain?
A Monster Escapes is a character-driven horror story that explores all the shades of gray in life.
When a dark force strikes the small town of Brettville, there is only one woman to call.
Jane Elring knows what monsters look like. She stares them down on the regular, working as a paranormal investigator for the government. Her dark eyes find the deepest secrets; her unique mind comes up with plans others would never dare follow through.
When you're faced with an ancient evil that only wants to consume, there is no room for debate. Sometimes it takes a monster to beat one, and Jane Elring has been called much worse.
A Monster Escapes is a character-driven horror story that explores all the shades of gray in life.
When a dark force strikes the small town of Brettville, there is only one woman to call.
Jane Elring knows what monsters look like. She stares them down on the regular, working as a paranormal investigator for the government. Her dark eyes find the deepest secrets; her unique mind comes up with plans others would never dare follow through.
When you're faced with an ancient evil that only wants to consume, there is no room for debate. Sometimes it takes a monster to beat one, and Jane Elring has been called much worse.
Kindle Edition
Published September 1, 2023
119 people are currently reading
719 people want to read
About the author
Lewis Wolfe
7 books13 followersWhat makes a man jump off a building? Why would a woman poison her husband? Horror occurs as a natural product of the human psyche, and Lewis Wolfe has been fascinated by it ever since he was a young boy. After decades of reading and writing scary stuff, he isn't afraid of monsters under the bed anymore—it's the guy in the closet you have to watch out for.
Lewis Wolfe is the author of the Jane Elring Stories. He lives in the Netherlands where, aside from being a professional computer nerd, he enjoys the rainy weather and crowded cities. With so many people around him, there are still thousands of stories left to write.
Lewis Wolfe is the author of the Jane Elring Stories. He lives in the Netherlands where, aside from being a professional computer nerd, he enjoys the rainy weather and crowded cities. With so many people around him, there are still thousands of stories left to write.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
April 14, 2020
This was an excellent novel!!
This review contains NO SPOILERS
Plot: I was gripped from the outset. I found the plot intriging and it kept it's pace until the end of the book. As regards to the plot it is not like anything I have read before and I found it very interesting. From about 1/4 into the book I became heavily invested. The page became an absolute page turner!
Characters: I really liked the two main protagonists. I felt the author created interesting and realistic characters. I cared about their pasts and futures. For me characters are important, because as a reader you want to identify and care about characters , you want to see them win, to conquer trials and tribulations and to succeed to the end of the book.
Writing style: the author's writing style had a great flow. I liked the format of the book and found the chapters really laccessible. There is a second mini plot which runs concurrent to the main plot. This builds tension and when the two plots collide it is done really well.
Would I read more from this author? Hell yes. Why? Well the plot/story like was exciting, fast paced , well developed and unique. This novel was well crafted, and as such I believe the author is really skilled at their craft. I'd love to see more from this author because of the reasons mentioned above.
Would I recommend this book? Yes I really would! There were many moments that made me gasp, there were plenty of moments of tension and the plot and the characrers were enjoyable. This novel for me was very memorable, and that too, is an important factor which adds to a reader's enjoyment.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
This review contains NO SPOILERS
Plot: I was gripped from the outset. I found the plot intriging and it kept it's pace until the end of the book. As regards to the plot it is not like anything I have read before and I found it very interesting. From about 1/4 into the book I became heavily invested. The page became an absolute page turner!
Characters: I really liked the two main protagonists. I felt the author created interesting and realistic characters. I cared about their pasts and futures. For me characters are important, because as a reader you want to identify and care about characters , you want to see them win, to conquer trials and tribulations and to succeed to the end of the book.
Writing style: the author's writing style had a great flow. I liked the format of the book and found the chapters really laccessible. There is a second mini plot which runs concurrent to the main plot. This builds tension and when the two plots collide it is done really well.
Would I read more from this author? Hell yes. Why? Well the plot/story like was exciting, fast paced , well developed and unique. This novel was well crafted, and as such I believe the author is really skilled at their craft. I'd love to see more from this author because of the reasons mentioned above.
Would I recommend this book? Yes I really would! There were many moments that made me gasp, there were plenty of moments of tension and the plot and the characrers were enjoyable. This novel for me was very memorable, and that too, is an important factor which adds to a reader's enjoyment.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
September 29, 2019
A Monster Escapes by Lewis Wolfe
Wow! This is one of those books where you need to reflect back on what you just read and digest it slowly. Excellent characters, some you dislike right off the bat, others you feel like you shouldn't like them but you can't really bring yourself to not root for them. Excellent story line, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and believe you will too. I received an advance copy of this book and leave my opinion voluntarily. Many thanks to the author, I look forward to reading more from you!
Wow! This is one of those books where you need to reflect back on what you just read and digest it slowly. Excellent characters, some you dislike right off the bat, others you feel like you shouldn't like them but you can't really bring yourself to not root for them. Excellent story line, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and believe you will too. I received an advance copy of this book and leave my opinion voluntarily. Many thanks to the author, I look forward to reading more from you!
October 6, 2019
Macabre paranormal tale but more importantly, which monster escapes?
Caleb Epps, black, former special ops soldier about 35yo is applying to be bodyguard to a young white girl, Jane Elring. What he finds out is that Jane’s growth was stunted and although she looks 14yo, she is actually 23! Why was her growth stunted? This is just the beginning of what will be a mysterious, page-turner that you won’t see coming until near the end…
At first, I thought this was a book of disjointed paranormal stories combined loosely in another plot. What Mr. Wolfe does is introduce you to the harm done before showing you who is doing it. Lots of characters in this book. There are good people and bad people and others you can’t tell in which category they fall. Honestly, it took me a while to get into the book b/c of the meandering story line until the explanation comes. Sometimes, I thought Mr. Wolfe was projecting his opinions of organized religion, evolution, race relations, gender relations, and more. No matter. He’s the author. He can do whatever he wants. I did see some parallels between race and gender prejudices even though the characters were not aware as written.
This was a well-written, surprising and engrossing paranormal tale which at times will make you cringe, cry and cheer. I volunteered to read an ARC through BookSirens and it comes highly recommended. I give it 4.5 stars.
Caleb Epps, black, former special ops soldier about 35yo is applying to be bodyguard to a young white girl, Jane Elring. What he finds out is that Jane’s growth was stunted and although she looks 14yo, she is actually 23! Why was her growth stunted? This is just the beginning of what will be a mysterious, page-turner that you won’t see coming until near the end…
At first, I thought this was a book of disjointed paranormal stories combined loosely in another plot. What Mr. Wolfe does is introduce you to the harm done before showing you who is doing it. Lots of characters in this book. There are good people and bad people and others you can’t tell in which category they fall. Honestly, it took me a while to get into the book b/c of the meandering story line until the explanation comes. Sometimes, I thought Mr. Wolfe was projecting his opinions of organized religion, evolution, race relations, gender relations, and more. No matter. He’s the author. He can do whatever he wants. I did see some parallels between race and gender prejudices even though the characters were not aware as written.
This was a well-written, surprising and engrossing paranormal tale which at times will make you cringe, cry and cheer. I volunteered to read an ARC through BookSirens and it comes highly recommended. I give it 4.5 stars.
October 20, 2019
Brettville is in trouble but the citizens don't quite know it yet. A curious team is called in to help. A young woman with mysterious psychic abilities, a demon as old as time, a former military man who has gone soft, a government agent who seems to hate everything... Their stories are all intertwined beautifully in this book. The story of Jane is horrifying and troubling as you wonder if these kinds of experiments truly do exist. I think the story of Baal completely captures the spirit of a demon who has no mercy. Will Jane be able to save the day or will she succumb to the evil living in Batesville?
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 2, 2019
A dark force plagues the town of Brettville, Alabama, clawing at its victims and sending them into states of delusion, fear and paranoia. It looks for guilt and grief, trauma that smells and tastes so very sweet. While feeding on these painful memories, it lures its victims into a trap of endless waking nightmares.
Ex-marine Caleb Epps takes on the job of bodyguard for the strange investigator, Jane Elring. Together they travel to Brettville to unravel the mystery that holds the town in its suffocating grip. Soon Caleb finds himself caught up in a battle of wits between this strange, dark force and his new employer.
An employer that perhaps can't be trusted. As time goes on old questions make room for new ones. Why are the people that know Jane Elring afraid of her? What secrets lie hidden beneath the calm of her angelic face? And how does Caleb fit into the plans her sharp eyes suggest she has for him?
Monsters come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes they're human.
(Warning: Contains themes of sexuality and abuse)
This was one of those books that you just can't put into words how well written it is.
I loved this story so much and did not want it to end.
The characters are so amazingly written and you either like them or you don't right off which is great.
The plot and story line are so well written and keeps you gripped from the start,
I honestly did not want the story to end and hoping with fingers crossed we will see a sequel to continue this story furhter.
Can't wait to read more from this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Ex-marine Caleb Epps takes on the job of bodyguard for the strange investigator, Jane Elring. Together they travel to Brettville to unravel the mystery that holds the town in its suffocating grip. Soon Caleb finds himself caught up in a battle of wits between this strange, dark force and his new employer.
An employer that perhaps can't be trusted. As time goes on old questions make room for new ones. Why are the people that know Jane Elring afraid of her? What secrets lie hidden beneath the calm of her angelic face? And how does Caleb fit into the plans her sharp eyes suggest she has for him?
Monsters come in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes they're human.
(Warning: Contains themes of sexuality and abuse)
This was one of those books that you just can't put into words how well written it is.
I loved this story so much and did not want it to end.
The characters are so amazingly written and you either like them or you don't right off which is great.
The plot and story line are so well written and keeps you gripped from the start,
I honestly did not want the story to end and hoping with fingers crossed we will see a sequel to continue this story furhter.
Can't wait to read more from this author.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 23, 2019
A wonderful novel that spoke to the shades of grey in life. I loved that there was no clear-cut hero or villain, it was all a point of perspective. This novel had a bit of everything and was hard to put down!
I received this ARC for free in exchange for an honest review.
Full review at:
http://bookshelfadventures.home.blog/...
I received this ARC for free in exchange for an honest review.
Full review at:
http://bookshelfadventures.home.blog/...
December 5, 2020
Could Have Been Good
This could have been a good book. However, the strong anti-religion and anti-God rhetoric was off a putting. The first half of the book was strong and entertaining. Unfortunately, the weak ending ruined the book for me.
This could have been a good book. However, the strong anti-religion and anti-God rhetoric was off a putting. The first half of the book was strong and entertaining. Unfortunately, the weak ending ruined the book for me.
May 3, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley, the author, and the publisher for this ARC in exchange for my honest review!
Fans of Supernatural rejoice, there's a new voice in the campy monster-hunting genre! Jane is a government agent who hunts down monsters stalking the States. Alongside Jane comes a colorful made for B movie late night TV cast of characters. Villains, heroes, and side characters are all campy in my opinion. I mean this in a very loving way, I love the campiness.
Jane herself is a bit of fresh air; this genre is usually dominated by big gruff-n-tough macho men, the likes of Sam and Dean Winchester, John Constantine, and Harry Blackstone. More could've been done to play with the preconceptions in the genre: Jane's no Buffy, but she's likeable enough. I'm not sure I like her enough to read the rest of her quartet, but I did like her.
Fans of Supernatural rejoice, there's a new voice in the campy monster-hunting genre! Jane is a government agent who hunts down monsters stalking the States. Alongside Jane comes a colorful made for B movie late night TV cast of characters. Villains, heroes, and side characters are all campy in my opinion. I mean this in a very loving way, I love the campiness.
Jane herself is a bit of fresh air; this genre is usually dominated by big gruff-n-tough macho men, the likes of Sam and Dean Winchester, John Constantine, and Harry Blackstone. More could've been done to play with the preconceptions in the genre: Jane's no Buffy, but she's likeable enough. I'm not sure I like her enough to read the rest of her quartet, but I did like her.
June 12, 2024
We meet Jane, a psychic government agent, at the beginning of the book hiring Caleb, a retired overweight soldier. They travel to their assignment and meet a cast of characters with their own troubles and trauma.
This book was an enjoyable and quick horror read. I did really like it but felt that the characters could have done with beefing out a bit. This is book 1 of 4 and maybe that happens subsequently.
I also felt the demonic showdown was very underwhelming.
Didn’t realise there was a trigger warning for the abuse scene either which was quite an uncomfortable read.
All in all though I loved that the narrative was told over several timelines and found this an intriguing story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy
This book was an enjoyable and quick horror read. I did really like it but felt that the characters could have done with beefing out a bit. This is book 1 of 4 and maybe that happens subsequently.
I also felt the demonic showdown was very underwhelming.
Didn’t realise there was a trigger warning for the abuse scene either which was quite an uncomfortable read.
All in all though I loved that the narrative was told over several timelines and found this an intriguing story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the advance copy
October 18, 2021
This book never captured my attention for some reason. The plot, involving a govt created girl, who has psychic abilities and who knows what other powers and her keepers who aren't very nice. The girl is on her last assignment, tracking down a demon named Baal who is threatening a small community. The writing is pretty good, but sometimes needlessly confusing. Some of the major scenes take place solely in the girl's mind, a rather confusing situation. This wasn't an awful book, it just did nothing for me.
May 29, 2024
I requested an ARC of this book, and all opinions are my own.
This is the first book in a paranormal mystery series. You can definitely feel shades of Stranger Things among various horror flicks in the DNA of this story, but I found it to be original and interesting. Jane Elring is special, more special than anyone could have guessed, and she is someone you would want in your corner when facing down a demon.
I think it's an interesting start, and look forward to reading more.
This is the first book in a paranormal mystery series. You can definitely feel shades of Stranger Things among various horror flicks in the DNA of this story, but I found it to be original and interesting. Jane Elring is special, more special than anyone could have guessed, and she is someone you would want in your corner when facing down a demon.
I think it's an interesting start, and look forward to reading more.
March 11, 2022
wonderful story of Evil.
Thank you Lewis Wolfe for a truly outstanding story about courage and fear, loss and love with characters that jump out of the book and become part of our lives. A book that will not leave you wanting more but looking forward to its continuing saga. While it’s storyline is somewhat complex, it is explained in great detail. Again, thank you Mr. Wolfe.
Thank you Lewis Wolfe for a truly outstanding story about courage and fear, loss and love with characters that jump out of the book and become part of our lives. A book that will not leave you wanting more but looking forward to its continuing saga. While it’s storyline is somewhat complex, it is explained in great detail. Again, thank you Mr. Wolfe.
February 22, 2020
A very gripping story from start to finish. It’s very easy to get into the plot line and the characters are interesting. It didn’t take me long to finish as it was hard to put down!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 3, 2020
Quick and easy reading. Dark thriller with mature content. Warning contains child abuse triggers but relevant to story.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advanced review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 4, 2021
Entertaining Read
I thoroughly enjoyed this tightly woven tale. It had very well-crafted characters and the author's attention to detail was remarkable. I cannot wait to read the next one.
I thoroughly enjoyed this tightly woven tale. It had very well-crafted characters and the author's attention to detail was remarkable. I cannot wait to read the next one.
October 16, 2021
Wonderfully written
Wonderful book. The characters were realistic and somewhat quirky. The ending leaves you with a need for more. More danger, more horror, more bloody gore, just more!!! Definitely recommend
Wonderful book. The characters were realistic and somewhat quirky. The ending leaves you with a need for more. More danger, more horror, more bloody gore, just more!!! Definitely recommend
January 20, 2022
I very much enjoyed the premise of this book and found it interesting.
However I feel that it could have been given deeper care and the actual plot could use more development.
TW for sexual abuse & some violence
However I feel that it could have been given deeper care and the actual plot could use more development.
TW for sexual abuse & some violence
March 11, 2020
I really got sucked into this one. It seems to be a good vs evil story but everyone ends up showing both their good and bad sides. I found them all interesting. I’d definitely recommend this one!
October 3, 2020
Good read
Good read kept me wanting to know what happened next. Definitely a different kind of story. The author did a great job fulfilling his goal.
Good read kept me wanting to know what happened next. Definitely a different kind of story. The author did a great job fulfilling his goal.
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September 5, 2021Great Book!
This was really an awesome story! The author's mind really amazes me! Fantastic characters and timing! I read this in one day because I couldn't put it down!!
This was really an awesome story! The author's mind really amazes me! Fantastic characters and timing! I read this in one day because I couldn't put it down!!
December 22, 2021
Kinda quirky Sci fi mystery. Many loose ends, but I didn't get invested well enough to pursue the next book.
January 19, 2022
A Frolicking good time
Loved it. Great characters, good plot, good ending. Enjoyed the action, but it gave me plenty to think about also.
Loved it. Great characters, good plot, good ending. Enjoyed the action, but it gave me plenty to think about also.
February 16, 2022
This is an excellent book to read. Very interesting with no spoiler. It shows that there is a monster in all of us and whether we can controlled this monster so there would be no evil harm done.
December 15, 2019
Thank you Book Sirens for the free digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
No need to recap the book as this site provides you with a description already.
Wow! I do not normally read books dealing with the paranormal, but I really enjoyed this book. It was well written and kept me entertained from start to finish. Characters were well developed and I liked most of them (some where just too evil to like 😉). It got a little graphic in parts and while that did not bother me at all, it may bother some. Hopefully we will see more of Jane and Caleb in a follow-up book!
No need to recap the book as this site provides you with a description already.
Wow! I do not normally read books dealing with the paranormal, but I really enjoyed this book. It was well written and kept me entertained from start to finish. Characters were well developed and I liked most of them (some where just too evil to like 😉). It got a little graphic in parts and while that did not bother me at all, it may bother some. Hopefully we will see more of Jane and Caleb in a follow-up book!
November 8, 2019
***NOTE*** I was given a free copy of this ebook for my honest review ***NOTE***
The premise of this story was quite intriguing. People in Brettville, Alabama are going mad for no apparent reason. A special investigator, Jane Elring is called in by the FBI; but Jane is not the typical FBI special investigator - she has some special gifts.
There were many different threads introduced at the beginning of the book - it was difficult to see how all these different plot threads could come together. However, as the story progressed, the different threads did eventually tie in - some better than others.
What this book needs is some proofreading and some good editing. A lot of the wording and the sentence structure is awkward, especially as the book drew closer to the end. The ending also felt quite rushed. There was a lot of build up and character development, but then the ending played out quite quickly with not a lot of character resolution. I also felt that the sex was gratuitous. I don't mind sex when it makes sense in the story, but I didn't think that it made a whole lot of sense here.
I can see the author going on to write another story about the main character. I found Jane to be quite an interesting and complex character. I would like to see her story continue.
The premise of this story was quite intriguing. People in Brettville, Alabama are going mad for no apparent reason. A special investigator, Jane Elring is called in by the FBI; but Jane is not the typical FBI special investigator - she has some special gifts.
There were many different threads introduced at the beginning of the book - it was difficult to see how all these different plot threads could come together. However, as the story progressed, the different threads did eventually tie in - some better than others.
What this book needs is some proofreading and some good editing. A lot of the wording and the sentence structure is awkward, especially as the book drew closer to the end. The ending also felt quite rushed. There was a lot of build up and character development, but then the ending played out quite quickly with not a lot of character resolution. I also felt that the sex was gratuitous. I don't mind sex when it makes sense in the story, but I didn't think that it made a whole lot of sense here.
I can see the author going on to write another story about the main character. I found Jane to be quite an interesting and complex character. I would like to see her story continue.
September 15, 2019
A Monster Escapes is well written and well imagined. The story just flows from the first page. I enjoyed every character in it even the ones that are unlikable. This story has a little bit of everything in it. I decided to take my time through this one because it was enjoyable and I didn't want it to end.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
April 1, 2020
First, I was enticed by the cover. Thinking that this would be a horror novel, I accepted a copy and got ready to be frightened. I have to admit that I didn't get frightened but this is a horror story. But the question is really, who or rather what is the monster?
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews